Selling at a craft fair in the UK requires finding the right event, securing public liability insurance (often required, e.g., craftcover.com), preparing unique handmade stock, and designing an attractive stall layout. Essential tips include researching local council rules for licenses, setting clear prices, accepting digital payments, and marketing your attendance on social media.
If you plan to sell your crafts at local markets or fairs, you may need: A market stall licence or street trading permit, depending on the local council's requirements.
Do I need insurance to sell handmade crafts in the UK?
In many cases, there is no legal requirement to have business insurance in place when running a crafts business. The only exception to this is if you have employees working for you. As is the case with all businesses, if you do hire staff, UK law requires you to have employers' liability insurance.
Watch This *BEFORE* Your Next Craft Show! // Ultimate Craft Fair Guide
What is the hottest selling craft right now?
The most popular crafts right now include the booming revival of crochet (especially granny squares), trending fiber arts like punch needle/rug tufting, personalized techniques such as wood burning, and digital/resin crafts like creating 3D printed items, epoxy resin art, and laser-engraved goods, alongside popular paper crafts like handmade stationery and invitations. These crafts appeal due to their potential for personalization, profitability, and alignment with vintage/nostalgic aesthetics.
Do I need to register my craft business with HMRC?
Yes, you do need to register your craft business with HMRC for tax purposes. Even if you earn less than the minimum income of £1,000, you'll have to be registered.
How to Start Selling at Craft Fairs: A Beginner's Guide
Just start! If you're waiting until you know you have a good product, you've found your target audience, and you've figured out the exact right pricing, don't. ...
Etsy's biggest competitors include Amazon Handmade, for its massive audience and fulfillment options, and Shopify, for sellers wanting a customizable, independent store. Other key rivals depend on the product, with eBay offering broad reach, Redbubble for artists, and platforms like Goimagine focusing specifically on handmade goods.
As a seller, the seller pages are very easy to use to input new items and edit them. Giving sellers an opportunity to raise their profile, even if it means paying a little more would be helpful. Folksy is a fantastic platform for those who want to sell their hand made creations. As the pricing is reasonable.
If you had sales of less than £1,000 a year with Etsy you do not need to do anything. HMRC lets you earn £1,000 a year through websites like Etsy without worrying about income tax. If you had sales of more than £1,000 a year with Etsy, you need to submit a tax return.
The 2025 craft trends emphasize laser cutting and engraving, with items like wooden lampshades and door signs gaining popularity. Niche crafts, especially those catering to festive themes, are also in demand.
How much can I earn from my hobby before paying taxes?
What is the tax free trading allowance? HMRC introduced it as a tax free allowance to cover “self-starters” with small, hobby-based businesses. It means that you can earn a total of £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, before you even need to report it to HMRC or pay tax on the income.
* Scale of Sales: Small-scale, occasional sales may not require a business license in some areas. However, if you plan to sell items regularly, especially as a primary source of income, you are more likely to need a license. * Online vs. In-Person Sales: The method of selling can also affect licensing requirements.
Generally, you need to file if: Your income is over the filing requirement. You have over $400 in net earnings from self-employment (side jobs or other independent work)
